Support for Geographically Dispersed Service Members

Family programs function differently for service members who are geographically dispersed and do not live close to an installation.  To support National Guard and Reserve service members and their families, the Defense Department has developed a few key programs:

• Military OneSource – Consultants are available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week by phone, online, or via email offering personalized support to any service or family member. Call Military OneSource at 1-800-342-9647.

• Joint Family Support Assistance Program (JFSAP) – JFSAP augments existing family programs to provide a continuum of support and services. Services are delivered in local communities through collaborative partnerships with federal, state, and local resources.  View a list of State Family Program Directors.  Access the On-Demand system to request event support.

• Military and Family Life Counseling (MFLC) Program, On-Demand Support  The MFLC program provides non-medical counseling support and psycho-educational presentations on a variety of topics for National Guard and Reserve Components and their families. MFLCs providing on-demand support assist with deployment and reintegration events, family days, and drill weekends. Financial counselors are deployed in tandem with MFLCs to address a range of issues from basic budgeting and money management to savings and investments. The on-demand program is available at no cost and provides an anonymous and confidential service to troops and families.  On-Demand Request Form.

Geographically dispersed service members can contact any Family Center for information and resources.  Family Centers will never turn service members or family members away.

Guard and Reserve Family Programs

The National Guard and Reserve have also implemented a network of family support programs for geographically dispersed service members and their families.  Find information on each component's programs below.

Army and Air National Guard

National Guard Family Program – This is the official website for all issues impacting National Guard families. The site provides locations, benefits, and links to many useful websites on children, youth, employment assistance, and other National Guard programs.

Army Reserve

Army Reserve Family Programs – This website offers programs to assist Reserve Soldiers and their families.

Navy Reserve

Navy Reserve Family Readiness – This website provides information for families of Reserve Sailors, including links to benefits and entitlements information, family readiness checklists, and Navy Reserve Family Newsletters.

Marine Forces Reserve

Marine Forces Reserve, Marine Corps Community Service (MCCS) – The mission of the MARFORRES MCCS is to enhance quality of life and family readiness by providing Marines, Sailors, and families with resources, education, training, personal contacts, and services to manage the challenges of Military Service and military deployments.

Air Force Reserve

Air Force Reserve Command, Family Readiness – The Air Force Reserve Command Family Readiness offices assist and support families of deployed Air Force Reserve personnel. The Family Readiness offices are located within the units and provide assistance on all family-related matters to include information and referral services. Toll-free phone numbers for each of the Family Readiness offices are provided on the website.